PLANS to establish a new waste recycling centre at New Inn, were approved by a government inspector who overturned a decision by local planners.

The Assembly's inspector overruled Torfaen planners and granted Mark Lloyd, (pictured) of Fred Lloyd and Sons, permission to expand his scrap metal operation on the Polo Grounds industrial estate.

His application, to include facilities for recycling builders' waste at the site, was refused last August by the borough council, in the face of opposition from local people. Opponents feared the facility would result in pollution and extra lorries which would clog up the roads.

Mr Lloyd appealed to the Assembly and has now been told his plan can go ahead. Work should start in the next three or four months.

New Inn upper councillors John Turner and Maurice Morgan said they were disappointed by the decision.

"I just hope these increased activities will not cause any further nuisance for local people. The extra traffic is a definite concern," said Councillor Turner.

Councillor Morgan added: "We support recycling but this is the wrong place for this facility. It would have been better placed near the existing waste transfer centre (operated by Torfaen council nearby).

"This will make a dirty operation a little bit dirtier."

But Mr Lloyd said the new facility would not handle chemicals or hazardous materials. He promised: "We will do everything we can to recycle effectively and responsibly and not do anything detrimental to local people and the surrounding area." The new centre, built on the site of the existing yard, will take non-domestic waste - mainly building waste. "People will not notice any major difference in transport noise or pollution," said Mr Lloyd.